We are seeking a Sr. Research Specialist who will work under minimal supervision and be responsible for scientific contributions in a DNA methylation bioengineering laboratory. This laboratory has a broad scientific focus spanning molecular biology, genomic research, epigenetic-based cancer diagnostics and novel microfluidic devices. This individual will make intellectual contributions in a specialized scientific lab and have extensive knowledge of research and how laboratory organizations satisfy research goals and objectives.  The candidate will be responsible for wet-lab development and performance of next-generation sequencing methods, particularly towards identifying and implementing epigenetic biomarkers of early-stage cancers. Other responsibilities include facilitating project management, including complex project support, assistance with papers, grant applications, progress reports, translational research protocols and important correspondence, as well as obtaining and updating IRB approval for bio-specimen and clinical data transfer requests.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently perform technical and logistic support for cancer diagnostic and liquid biopsy assay development.
• Develop techniques and research protocols to ensure safety and reproducibility and issues recommendations.
• Perform and optimize techniques for DNA methylation analyses and biomarker discovery including DNA methylation focused next-generation sequencing and DNA methylation arrays.
• Develop, design and manage specialized projects.
• Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret research results.
• Troubleshoot and apply specialized scientific knowledge and experience to make decisions, train and guide other laboratory personnel.
• Perform miscellaneous laboratory related duties as assigned.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills, ability to exercise professional judgment and good written and oral communication skills are required.
• The position may require flexible working hours to meet laboratory demands.
• Advanced knowledge of assay development and/or next-generation sequencing.
• Experience in cancer epigenetics and the development of DNA methylation-based liquid biopsy diagnostic assays
• Knowledge and experience in gynecologic cancer research, and ovarian cancer, in particular
• Experience managing human research protocols for IRB compliance
• Ability to work both independently as well as part of a team.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Four year's experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.
• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Bachelor’s Degree plus six years’ experience in a biomedical discipline, such as: bioinformatics, biology, molecular biology, genetics, biomedical engineering, or other related fields.
• Master's or Doctorate Degree, with related graduate research, in related fields.
• Experience in cancer epigenetics.
• Experience in development of DNA methylation-based diagnostic assays.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC  
Starting Salary Range: $48,000 - $84,100 Annually (Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F/8:30-5 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: Homewood Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​Institute for NanoBioTechnology  
Personnel area: Whiting School of Engineering